We read with pleasure in the Manchester Guardian a report
of a speech made by Mr. Cosgrove on Friday, November 5th, when he received the freedom of Manchester. As the Loudon papers did not general report the'speeeh, -shall quote a passage from it:-- " Your country and mine, separated far centuries by a t series of events which have now, happily, come to an end, gh an example to the world of whit can be achieved by free associati between nations. My colleagues and myself have the ni profound conviction that the relations between us will ripen iq a bond of sincere and lasting friendship, and that the peopk these two islands, placed by God so :close together on the surf of - the ocean while differing by race and characteristics, si henceforth devote themselves rather to discovering ground, f common endeavour and common achievement than to see in the pages of history for memories of bitter things which m be buried for" ever. Let us, then; obtain that lasting peace aa, friendship which God has surely destinedd-for us."
Mr. Cosgrave is known .to have great courage, and h has generally dared to say what he meant. But the encouraging fact to-day is that such words as we hav quoted do not cause excited condemnation in Ireland. The former Irish policy of obstruction and defiance seems to be dying out. •
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